LAMMA is the UK’s largest agricultural trade show, where over 850 exhibitors will host the most extensive array of farm machinery, equipment, and services to be found in one location anywhere in the UK.

Demand for UK pork has doubled in value over the last three years and last year generated £43m.

Hugely important

Food Minister George Eustice said: “China is a hugely important market for our world-class food industry and by opening up access even further, more UK businesses can take advantage of the growing appetite for our food and drink.

“British food is produced to the very best standards of welfare, quality and safety and this growth in exports to China is creating more jobs and opportunities for our premium pork producers who can guarantee quality from farm to fork.”

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB international market development director, said: “This agreement with China comes hot on the heels of this week’s announcement that a £34 million deal has been agreed to export UK beef to the Philippines," he said.

"It is great to hear so much positive news around exports of UK meat and is a testament to the hard work being done to promote the UK food industry on a global stage.”

It is also the first time Northern Ireland will have access to the Chinese pork market.

Northern Ireland

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) pork and bacon chairman, Norman Robson, said access to China would ultimately add value to carcases, and said he looked forward to seeing the first exports in the near future.

“The Chinese market has the potential to offer significant long-term demand for pork products. Access to this market should boost returns for processors,” he said.

“Farmers will now look forward to seeing this added value distributed fairly along the supply chain.”